JULIET MUSUNGA Lusaka GOVERNMENT has warned holders of dormant mining licences to secure investment partners or surrender their rights to allow capable investors to develop the country’s mineral resources. Mines and Minerals Development Minister Brenda Tambatamba said…

JULIET MUSUNGA

Lusaka

GOVERNMENT has warned holders of dormant mining licences to secure investment partners or surrender their rights to allow capable investors to develop the country’s mineral resources.

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Brenda Tambatamba said Government would no longer tolerate mining licences remaining unused while the country pursues increased mineral production.

Ms Tambatamba said this on Monday when she featured on the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Podcast, where she urged licence holders to demonstrate urgency by ensuring their investments generate economic returns and contribute to the national treasury.

She said mining activities should also provide tangible economic benefits to licence holders and their families, warning investors against holding mineral rights without undertaking productive activities.

Ms Tambatamba said those who lack the financial or technical capacity to develop their mining areas should seek suitable partners or surrender their rights to Government.

“If you are not able to do it and not able to find a partner, hand it over back because the Government has a responsibility to put in measures to ensure that we allow those that are capable to come on board,” she said.

The minister said Government would pay particular attention to ensuring that mining rights are utilised by investors capable of developing the country’s mineral resources.

She said investors should not squander opportunities available under the current leadership by holding mining licences without making meaningful investments.

Ms Tambatamba’s remarks come as Zambia pursues an ambitious target of increasing annual copper production to three million metric tonnes by 2031 under Grow Zambia Agenda.

She said achieving the target requires sustained investment in mineral exploration, mine development and the expansion of existing mining operations.

The minister noted that unlocking dormant mining areas would help attract additional investment, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in mining communities.

She said increasing production requires mineral rights holders to take responsibility for developing their concessions rather than keeping them idle. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home